Banking services, particularly at public sector banks across India, were impacted by a nationwide strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) to demand the immediate implementation of a five-day workweek and resolution of pending wage-related issues.
During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting, outlining a four-point approach for the steady and long-term development of China-India relations. The leaders stressed strategic understanding, win-win cooperation, mutual respect, and inclusive multilateral engagement, reaffirming their commitment to resolving the boundary question and addressing economic concerns. They also discussed global challenges and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced a resolution in the assembly demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood for the union territory. The resolution, which referenced previous autonomy resolutions, led to intense protests and "ugly scenes" from opposition BJP members, resulting in the adjournment of the House. Abdullah highlighted the unfulfilled promise by the Government of India regarding statehood after delimitation and elections.
'There will be some inconvenience to people. But we have given one-month notice to the government one month ago.'
US President Donald Trump is expected to sign the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 later on Friday (local time). A White House official confirmed the development to ANI without revealing further details.
India and China are in what experts call 'a cooperation-versus-competition situation'.
Legendary Brazilian captain Cafu has urged India to shed its "tiny status" mindset in football and believe in its potential for growth, offering Brazil's cooperation. He responded to Bhaichung Bhutia's concerns about an India-Brazil friendly, emphasising the importance of grassroots development and international collaboration, drawing parallels with Japan and China's success. Cafu also shared his personal journey of overcoming doubts to become a football legend.
'The Chinese military cannot advance much in Ladakh, even if they want to.' 'Similarly, in Arunachal Pradesh, they can rename a village or two, intrude here or there, but cannot do much more realistically.'
Former CDS Anil Chauhan stated that China poses a long-term and comprehensive challenge to India, with the boundary issue remaining unresolved due to differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control. However, he emphasised that India's ties with Beijing cannot be solely defined by border disputes, advocating for engagement through platforms like SCO and BRICS. He also highlighted the broader global geopolitical flux and instability in India's neighbourhood as significant security concerns, stressing the need for self-reliance.
A career break does not erase the experience that came before it. But the labour market can act as though it does. The more women invest in building professional careers, the more costly an interruption can become. How, then, do we enable women to make a comeback? Whose responsibility is it? asks Radha Roy Biswas.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held extensive discussions to strengthen bilateral trade, defence, and energy cooperation, while also addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and exploring avenues for peace and resolution, with Modi reiterating India's call for dialogue and diplomacy.
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has articulated India's position on BRICS, advocating for it to be a "non-West, but not anti-West" platform, a stance he believes is crucial for India's national interest. He highlighted the prestige of hosting the BRICS summit, India's responsibility to represent the Global South, and the significance of bilateral meetings, particularly with China and Russia. Tharoor also addressed the strained India-China relations, citing border issues and trade leverage, and discussed the challenges within BRICS, including difficulties in achieving consensus on global issues and trade imbalances, while also considering the need for diversified international relations amidst unpredictable US sanctions.
BRICS nations have successfully reached a consensus on a joint statement following extensive negotiations, with India playing a crucial role in bridging differences, particularly among West Asian members like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, despite regional conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
The Gauhati High Court has affirmed the validity of 'Talaq-E-Hassan' as a form of divorce in India, directing a petitioner to register his divorce under the new Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorce Act, 2024.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a warning against 'malicious' and 'misleading' social media posts concerning the health of world leaders, specifically Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who attended the recent BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The warning comes amidst unverified claims about Xi's health and an official statement from Ramaphosa's office confirming his withdrawal from public engagements due to ill health.
Meta has restricted access in India to a viral AI-generated video depicting Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan dancing with KSEB officials. The video, which garnered 1.78 crore views, was restricted following a legal request, though the creators believe it wasn't due to the CM's objection, as he had previously expressed excitement about it.
Penguin Random House India has clarified that it is not the publisher of Sonia Gandhi's memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love," in India. This statement follows reports suggesting the publisher backed out due to Gandhi's refusal of editorial changes. The company maintains it was willing to publish but has a prerogative to fact-check authors. The book's India distribution remains uncertain, though an e-book version is available for pre-order from another publisher.
Indian government sources revealed that a 'cautious approach' was adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's June talks with then-US President Donald Trump due to concerns over Trump's 'unpredictable behaviour' with foreign leaders, leading to a preference against a joint media interaction.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran will not succumb to "bullying" from the US and Israel, vowing to protect national interests amidst escalating West Asian hostilities. During his visit to New Delhi for the BRICS summit, Pezeshkian also discussed strengthening bilateral ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and advocated for local currencies in BRICS trade, positioning Iran as a strategic energy and transport partner.
A US Congress-constituted advisory body on religious freedom, the USCIRF, has urged the Trump administration to revoke the visa issued to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, citing concerns over alleged violent attacks against religious minorities by RSS subgroups.
Nepal has launched a diplomatic initiative to secure climate-related compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters, asserting that post-disaster assistance for recent deadly flash floods should be viewed as a moral and legal liability, not charity. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal highlighted Nepal's disproportionate suffering from global warming despite negligible emissions, citing rapid glacier melt and extreme mountain disasters. The country has formally approached the Loss and Damage Fund board for urgent financial aid following a catastrophic flash flood in the Bhotekoshi river basin.
FIDE's decision to shortlist the All India Chess Federation for a prestigious FIDE Excellence Award has ignited a fierce debate within the Indian chess community.
New Delhi was told it had given something up; in reality it had stopped talking about it, notes Dr Abhishek Puri.
The BCCI is committed to improving player preparation for major series in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA countries) by ensuring adequate rest, acclimatisation, and practice matches, according to secretary Devajit Saikia.
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the closure of Visakhapatnam Airport for commercial flights, directing the petitioner to approach the Andhra Pradesh High Court instead. The court cited "forum non conveniens," stating that the primary impact and cause of action lie in Visakhapatnam, where a similar PIL is already pending. The petitioner argued that the decision to close the existing airport for 30 years, transferring operations to a new airport 60 km away, was arbitrary and wasted public funds.
Dr Komal Verma Saluja, a final-year student at Government Medical College Kota (GMCK), has been awarded the "Researcher of the Year Award 2026" by the India chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP). She is the youngest and first medical student to receive this prestigious accolade. Saluja's research includes identifying an imaging biomarker for early cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes and developing a diagnostic method for fatty liver disease using echocardiography. Her achievements have brought pride to GMCK and highlight the need for more novel diagnostic and therapeutic research in India.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Beijing for the 25th round of Special Representatives talks on the India-China boundary issue with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. These crucial discussions precede Chinese President Xi Jinping's anticipated visit to India for the BRICS summit, offering a potential opportunity for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks aim to address the long-standing border dispute and recurring tensions, with both sides emphasising the importance of peace and tranquillity for bilateral relations amidst recent reports of aggressive Chinese posturing in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Chhattisgarh High Court has nullified a divorce order issued by a private Sharia body, stating that religious institutions cannot assume the authority of a court or use religious belief to determine an individual's legal rights. The ruling reinforces the supremacy of the constitutional framework and the rule of law over extra-judicial forums.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the India-Canada CEOs Forum, likened T20 cricket to India-Canada business ties, urging fast, fearless partnerships and inviting Canadian CEOs to join India's development journey.
'Nitishji as CM never supported the UCC and publicly expressed his strong reservations over UCC.'
'Major unions should be included. If this goes on, decision-making will become heavily one-sided and we will be forced to continue our strikes.'
Punjabi singer Ammy Virk's concert convoy was targeted in a shooting incident in Abbotsford, Canada, though he escaped unhurt. Police are investigating the targeted attack and a connected vehicle fire.
The CBI has registered a case against Arunachal Pradesh environmental activist and lawyer Bhanu Tatak for allegedly receiving Rs 20.94 lakh in foreign funds without mandatory FCRA registration or prior permission. The agency claims these funds were used to organise and sustain protests against two hydropower projects in the state. A preliminary enquiry indicated Tatak received foreign contributions directly into her personal account and did not file income tax returns declaring these funds.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya affirmed India's commitment to hosting the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad, promising an exceptional event and a lasting institutional legacy. He highlighted India's support for governance reforms, anti-doping measures, and initiatives like Khelo India, while also advocating for a stronger, member-driven framework for Commonwealth sports.
India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, bringing together numerous world leaders including presidents from China, Russia, South Africa, Iran, and Egypt, along with prime ministers and foreign ministers from other nations. The summit will feature bilateral talks and highlights the expanded BRICS grouping's growing global influence and India's significant role as a founding member and current chair.
A group of experts has voiced significant concerns regarding India's ethanol-blended fuel policy, citing potential negative impacts on land-use, agriculture patterns, food security, groundwater levels, and household incomes. They recommend a return to E10 fuel and a review of the policy's overall benefits versus costs to consumers and the environment.
India has distanced itself from former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina's recent media interaction in New Delhi, stating it played no role in the event nor endorsed her comments regarding the Bangladesh government. This comes after Bangladesh expressed outrage over the permitted interaction, which saw Hasina announce her determination to return to Bangladesh to restore democracy.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has voiced his opposition to the upcoming event at Madison Square Garden where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora. Mamdani, however, noted that the city might lack jurisdiction to cancel the private event, which has also drawn protests from various interfaith and civil rights organisations.
Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani predicts that large corporations in India will lose jobs due to automation and AI, while millions of small businesses will drive future employment growth. He advocates for deregulation, simplified business interfaces, and digital platforms to support small entrepreneurs and a gig economy workforce.
The FCNR (B) stratagem relies on using public money to defend the rupee. The State subsidises foreign borrowing to attract dollars. This tool requires large-scale borrowing to make a material difference against a gross external flow of $11 billion a day. A commensurately large fiscal cost falls upon the exchequer. The ministry of finance will choose how much it is willing to spend in exchange for this round number, points out Ajay Shah.
